For Hub City Times

MARSHFIELD – Downtown developers Erin and Chris Howard will complete a three-year renovation of Marshfield’s Deming Building, located at 201 South Central Avenue, with the restoration of the building’s façade.

“The façade is the icing on the cake,” said Chris.“For nearly three years, our contractors have been restoring the interior of the building. Now, the façade restoration represents the completion of a lot of hard work.”

The façade restoration will include cleaning and restoring the brick, and installing new signage and awnings.

As the Howards restored one interior space at a time, seven businesses have already moved into the building with three more to move in soon. Mojo’s Pasta House and Cajun Cook Shack was the first to move in.

“Our goal when we purchased the building was to attract a restaurant as the central driver of foot traffic. When we met Matt and Jen (Olson, owners of Mojos) we had high expectations. But Mojo’s has exceeded them. We are thrilled by how popular they have become,” said Erin.

Other businesses and organizations in the building include Hub City Times, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Wisconsin,  Hergert and Associates family counseling services, Guaranteed Rate home mortgage services, Marshfield Area Habitat for Humanity, Golden Lamb Skin Studio, Elite Massage, Orofacial Solutions, and a second eating establishment soon to be announced by the Olsons.

“We anticipated that the restoration of the façade would help us attract tenants for the building, but all 10 spaces have already been spoken for,” said Erin. “It shows the resilience of Marshfield business. Our community keeps moving forward even during this pandemic. People have faith in this town’s future.”

The building has a long history in Marshfield. Following the “Great Marshfied Fire” construction began on the two-story brick building. Upon its completion, Attorney Edgar M. Deming opened his offices on the second floor and rented the lower level to a store that sold dry goods, shoes, and clothes. Over the last 120 years, this building has housed a variety of businesses.

When the Howards purchased the nearly vacant building in late 2017, they began the process of renovating the building. Beneath layers of carpet, tile, and glue, the Howards found the original wood floor and restored it. By removing layers of modern drywall, ceiling tile, and dust, the original pressed metal ceiling was also discovered and restored.

To provide accessibility to the upstairs businesses, a wheelchair ramp was created by reusing wood from the original floorboards, and an elevator and accessible bathrooms were added.

“With the amazing tenants in the building, it has become a mini example of our vision for the entire downtown,” said Chris. “We like to see restaurants and retail along Central with professional services upstairs and along the side streets. This is the key to creating a culture downtown that caters to visitors and residents alike.”